Starts May 8th 2026

Think. Build. Play.

The UoR's First Hackathon. 3 days to build something extraordinary. Open to all skill levels, with prizes up for grabs.

3 DayHackathon

Day 1Theme Reveal

PrizesTo Win

What is UoR Hackathon?

A weekend of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Form a team, pick a challenge, and build something amazing.

UoR Students Only

This hackathon is exclusively for University of Reading students. Whether you're a first-year or a PhD student, a designer or a developer, all skill levels are welcome.

Learn & Build

The theme is revealed on day one — from there it's your team, your ideas, and the build. Expect optional intermediary challenges along the way to keep things interesting.

Win Prizes

Compete for prizes across multiple categories. Best overall, best design, most creative, and more.

Schedule

Friday 8 May through Monday 11 May 2026. Exact times may shift, so stay tuned for updates.

Fri 8 May

Day 1

15:00

Registration Opens

Participants check in, confirm registration and get briefed.

Arrive

16:00

Opening Ceremony

Welcome address, rules briefing and theme reveal.

Kickoff

17:00

Hacking Begins

Hacking runs through the weekend, including overnight.

Build

Sat 9 May

Day 2

All day

Mentors Available

Lecturers, CS Society and Elanco staff on hand to help.

Support

Late PM

Mid-point Check-in

Optional team progress update with the organisers.

Check-in

Sun 10 May

Day 3

All day

Mentors Available

Continued mentor support throughout the day.

Support

Late PM

Mid-point Check-in

Second optional progress update before the final push.

Check-in

Mon 11 May

Day 4

12:00

Submissions Deadline

Projects must be submitted by midday.

Deadline

12:00

Presentations & Judging

Live pitches to the Elanco judging panel.

Judging

After judging

Awards Ceremony

Winners announced and prizes handed out.

Finale

After awards

Event Close & Teardown

Wrap-up and clear down the venue.

Prizes

A £450 prize pool with winners picking in order, plus Elanco merch for everyone who turns up.

1st

First Place

First pick from the prize pool.

2nd

Second Place

Second pick from the remaining prize pool.

3rd

Third Place

Third pick from the remaining prize pool.

Prize Pool

The full pool winners get to pick from, worth around £450 in total.

Gift cardsLEGO setsBoard gamesPower bankLaptop standBluetooth speakerXPenUno

Participant Merch

Elanco merch available at the opening for everyone, while supplies last.

PlushiesPensKeychainsShirts

FAQ

Got questions? We've got answers.

Do I need to know how to code?

It depends on your role within the team. Ideally your team will have a member with the ability to program, but other creative media will be allowed.

Can we use AI?

Of course. We expect and encourage you to.

How big can teams be?

Teams can be 3 to 5 people. Don't have a team? No worries, we'll help you find one at the event.

What should I bring?

Yourself, and ideally a laptop. We'll provide food, drinks, snacks, and a comfortable hacking space.

Is it free?

Yes. Registration and food are all covered.

Who can participate?

The hackathon is open exclusively to University of Reading students.

Register

Open to University of Reading students only. Sign up with your UoR student email to secure your spot.